Those who go to the mountains in winter to make the ski slopes unsafe, often do so by car. That means that you will drive your car up snowy mountains and along the way you have the chance of slippery road surfaces and treacherous conditions. That is why many winter sports countries have regulations for winter tires that are clearly different from ours. To get a good overview of what winter tires are required for, we have listed the rules in the various popular winter sports countries.
Winter tires or approved all-season tires are designed to provide more grip on winter roads. This is due to a special rubber compound that is softer than that of summer tyres. In addition, the grooves in the tire are deeper and more pronounced than with summer tyres. This provides more grip in wet or slippery conditions. Winter tires are not mandatory in the Netherlands, but they are recommended. That is different in the winter sports countries; winter tires are often required there. If you don’t have them, you risk an accident and a hefty fine.
Winter tires in Germany
Germany requires the driver to drive on tires that are suitable for the conditions prevailing at the time. Winter tires are therefore mandatory in winter conditions. That does not mean that you always have to fit your winter tires in Germany when the R is in month, but purely that the circumstances demand that of you. In other words: in snow, sleet and slippery conditions you have to use winter tires on the road. The penalty for breaking this rule depends on its consequences. First of all, you will be fined, but if you cause an accident, that fine can develop into a lawsuit. You can be charged with gross negligence.
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Winter Tires in Austria
Austria is somewhat clearer than the Germans; between November 1 and April 15, winter tires are mandatory for all cars. Outside this period, this obligation may still apply to special, mountainous areas. If so, signs along the road will tell you this. In extreme cases it is even mandatory to use snow chains and this is also indicated by signs. The fine for violating these obligations can be substantial, especially if you also caused an accident on your summer tires.
Winter Tires in Switzerland
There is no real obligation in Switzerland, but driving with winter tires is recommended. If you have an accident on summer tires in snowy areas or if you are a nuisance to traffic, this can lead to a hefty fine. In that case you will be seen as the liable party, because you do not have your affairs in order.
Winter tires in France
From the winter of 2021/2022 you are obliged to drive with winter tires in various mountainous areas. It is also possible that you have to change snow chains and you will be notified of this obligation, just like in Austria, on the basis of road signs.
Winter tires in Italy
In Italy, the winter tire obligation does not apply everywhere, but between November 15 and April 15 you will have to drive with adapted rubber in a number of areas. In the mountainous areas in particular, you will then see road signs on the side of the road, telling you to use winter tires or snow chains in that specific area. Incidentally, you will cross several countries that already have a winter tire obligation, so the chance that you will drive to Italy with summer tires is already quite small.
No winter tires required in the Netherlands; well wise
As mentioned, winter tires are not mandatory in the Netherlands. However, they are increasingly being fitted under cars, as the advantages of these tires are clearly noticeable on slippery road surfaces. The braking distance is much shorter, you get out of your place more easily on snow or ice and the chance that you lose control of your car is smaller. Not nil, smaller. Therefore, also take the weather conditions into account with winter tires on your car: keep your distance, adjust your speed and look far ahead. And if you go on winter sports, take into account the applicable laws in the popular holiday destinations.
- Different traffic rules apply in many winter sports countries. We have listed them for a number of popular countries.
- Select winter tires for your car with the winter tires price comparator on this site!
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl